LABOR EPIDURAL

OVERVIEW OF LABOR EPIDURAL ANESTHESIA

• An epidural catheter is a tiny tube that delivers pain medication below your spinal cord. This area is called the epidural space. An epidural can be used during childbirth to numb the lower body.

• For some women an epidural may slow down labor, while for others it has no effect on the length of labor and may even make labor go faster!

• The medicine you receive through an epidural is unlikely to affect your baby.

• An epidural can also be used to block pain during a C-section.

• Please plan ahead and give your nurse a 1 hour notice before you will need to decrease your labor pains. It takes time to prepare, place and feel the effects of an epidural

EDUCATIONAL VIDEO

INTRATHECAL INJECTION

• Intrathecal injection is a type of regional anesthesia that can be used to provide pain relief during labor

• This is a single shot technique that works quickly. No catheter remains. It does NOT allow for continual dosing and will only provide effective pain relief for a 2 hour period.

• This type of labor anesthesia is for mothers who are rapidly progressing through labor and are expected to deliver quickly.

• A small percentage of patients will meet criteria for this anesthetic technique. Your CRNA will help to decide if this is the right choice for your labor